KKR opener Chris Lynn frustrated with timing of his injury
What’s the story?
Currently sitting in the second spot on the points table, the two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders are in the pursuit of a top-four finish. Their star batsman Chris Lynn, who is keen to reappear for the side before the playoffs, is eyeing a comeback in one of the two matches against Punjab or Mumbai.
"I can't keep affording to have this time off when I'm hitting the ball so well, it's so frustrating," Lynn said. "I think I might just have to be one of those fielders you hide in the field. But as soon as I start costing the team runs in the field, that's when I've got to have a hard look at it. I think I can still contribute a fair amount with the bat and still be good enough in the ring in the field,” ESPN Cricinfo quoted him as saying.
In case you didn’t know...
Lynn injured his left shoulder in an attempt to take a diving catch during the match against Mumbai earlier this season. It was the third time the Australian hurt the same shoulder in two years. The opener’s chances of playing in the Champions Trophy, too, look bleak, however, he has been named in Australia’s Champions Trophy squad subject to a fitness assessment.
The heart of the matter
Scans revealed that the injury was not as severe as initially suspected and the batsman thus remained with the KKR franchise instead of flying back home. He worked with the Knight Riders' medical staff in order to speed up his recovery.
Lynn also admitted that the multiple shoulder injuries mean he would have to be more cautious on the field.
The opener had made a fantastic start to IPL 2017, scoring an impressive 41 ball 93 against Gujarat Lions, followed by a brisk 32 against the Mumbai Indians.
What’s next?
Kolkata Knight Riders will next take on the Royal Challengers Bangalore at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday. Having lost to Rising Pune Supergiant in their previous game, KKR will not want to take their No. 2 position for granted.
Author’s Take
It is nice to see that Lynn is eager to play for KKR when he could just as easily take some rest and regain full fitness ahead of the Champions Trophy. If the explosive batsman returns to KKR, the SRK co-owned team’s already strong batting line-up will only become more dangerous.